With our compromised immune systems, a common cold can lead to secondary bacterial infections requiring antibiotics which can progress into serious and even deadly illnesses - such as pneumonia. Yet just learning how to blow your nose the right way can reduce the risk of serious secondary infections.

'If you have mucus in the nose, it is probably best to get it out, so blow gently or by clearing one nostril at a time. Use of appropriate treatments can lessen the need to blow, and the force required to clear your nose.

If you are repeatedly blowing your nose you probably have a nasal condition, like hay fever or sinusitis, which should be treated more comprehensively.'